We have trained up pastors, evangelists, ministers and lay persons alike from various churches. Since our inception we have impacted tremendously on the body of Christ in over 42 churches in the area. We have found that our administrative skills, knowledge of the subject, willingness to serve and commitment to excellence are indispensable to the body of Christ.
To train up Christians to share their faith in Christ and to bring people from unbelief to belief.
Our integrity when dealing with the sensitive subject of church membership, coupled with the above mentioned qualities have enabled churches in the area to outsource their training to Friends Ministry. We have trained over 34 churches in the area and have helped plant and grow many churches in and around Africa.
"Therefore go and make disciples in all the nations baptising them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit". Matthew 28:18-20
The History of Friends
Socially significant. Evangelically potent. Spiritually relevant.
Friends Ministry was established in Berea, Johannesburg in January 1997 with the express purpose of being socially significant, evangelically potent and spiritually relevant. Its' initial ministry was to impact the body of Christ in the Berea and surrounding areas and to persuade Christians to be committed and move to the core of the church.
The Team and the Veterans
LEVEL 1
Gabriel Coker
A passionate and experienced minister of the gospel. Who has dedicated the past 21 years of his life in South Africa to sharing and teaching the gospel to thousands of people. His passion for evangelism started in 1990 two years after he surrendered all to Jesus Christ. Currently he is the teacher of EEIII level 1 at Friends Ministry in Berea, South Africa as well as a pastor in charge of The Redeemed Christian Church of God, Solution Centre in Cresta, Johannesburg South Africa. He goes all around the country & Africa training up Soul Winners and church leaders in the effective ministry of Evangelism Explosion
Blessed with a wife and three children.
LEVEL 2
Janine Cardoso
Husband & wife team Edy and Janine, committed their lives to Christ and ministry over 30 years ago. They both commenced EEIII 27 years ago at their church under the leadership of Malcom Thomas who headed up EEIII International in South Africa. During that time they recognised the need for the believers in the Inner City of Johannesburg, mainly Berea, Yeoville and Hillbrow to be equipped and trained to share their faith in Jesus Christ and to then help others be trained as well. Twenty two years ago a large facility in Berea became available and Friends Ministry came into being.
They have been blessed to raise three daughters.
LEVEL 3
Edy Cardoso
Apologetics deals with answering critics who oppose or question the revelation of God in Christ and the Bible. The purpose of this class is helping the Christian to "always be ready to make a defense to everyone who asks them to give an account for the hope they have".
As a team of evangelists/ teachers they have trained and equipped Pastors, ministers, lay people and other church leaders to share the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and in turn train their members to do the same.
LEVEL 4
Hildah Seleetse
Hildah is a long standing member & leader of Rhema Church. She has been involved in EEIII since 1998 and teaches level 4. The activity of caring for others and nourishing them in the life of faith. This is necessary for new or weak believers in the church. Hildah trains leaders to be effective in nurturing & discipling the new believers in the church.
But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord. ii Cor 3:18
She also mentors the new believers. Loves preaching the gospel and has made evangelising her lifestyle. This ministry has changed her life and she is truly grateful for that.